Rep. Adam Bernbaum

Maddy summaryHB 2472 requires all contractors and certified fitters working on fire sprinkler systems in Washington to hold state-issued licenses and certificates. Fire code officials can demand to see these credentials during inspections, and failure to provide them results in an immediate stop-work order until compliance is verified. The law also empowers officials to order removal and replacement of improperly installed systems if public safety is at risk. These requirements apply directly to contractors and fitters performing fire sprinkler work across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2230 streamlines oversight for community residential service providers that support people with developmental disabilities, directly affecting these providers and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The bill limits DSHS to one annual review per provider per category (such as finances, service plans, or quality assurance) and requires departments to share documents across divisions to avoid duplicate requests. Exceptions apply for investigations, incident reports, or federally mandated reviews. This reduces administrative burden, allowing more resources to focus on direct client support rather than overlapping paperwork.

Maddy summaryHB 2088 creates a multi-state licensure compact for dietitians, allowing licensed professionals to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each location. The bill establishes a "compact privilege" that recognizes a dietitian's home-state license as valid in other member states, eliminating the need for duplicate licensing. It directly affects licensed dietitians (especially those relocating, including military members and spouses), patients seeking care across state lines, and participating states' regulatory systems. Key mechanisms include standardized requirements for practice, shared data systems for disciplinary information, and provisions to protect public health while reducing administrative burdens on both professionals and states.

Maddy summaryHB 2269 allows counties to permit "middle housing" (like duplexes or small apartment buildings) on properties currently zoned for single-family homes in two specific areas: limited intensive rural development zones and designated urban growth areas. It requires counties to limit these projects to four units per lot and apply the same development standards (like setbacks and environmental rules) as single-family homes, without adding extra restrictions. The bill also mandates that middle housing in rural areas use public sewers or large on-site systems, while urban areas must have public water and sewer service. This policy directly affects property owners and developers in unincorporated Washington counties seeking to build more housing options.

Maddy summaryHB 2228 requires Washington's state building code council to form a technical advisory group to recommend changes allowing "scissor stairs" (interlocking stairways with separate exits) in multi-unit residential buildings with more than two permanent dwelling units. The group must consider public safety, health, and construction costs in its recommendations, which must be ready for the 2027 building code update. This bill directly affects builders and developers of apartment-style housing, aiming to potentially simplify stairwell designs in such buildings. The advisory process expires on January 1, 2031, with no immediate code changes enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 2304 expands the types of condominium buildings eligible for an express warranty of quality and insurance coverage, directly affecting developers of small residential projects. The bill allows developers to opt out of standard implied quality guarantees (like structural defects) if they provide an express warranty covering defects for specific periods: 1 year for workmanship, 2 years for systems (plumbing/electrical), and 10 years for structural elements. This applies to new or converted buildings with 12 or fewer units, including accessory dwelling units and structures under four stories (with specific configurations like parking or commercial space). Purchasers and future owners gain recourse through this warranty, while developers avoid implied warranty liabilities when meeting the coverage requirements. The change aims to streamline development for smaller condo projects without altering core buyer protections.

Maddy summaryHB 2113 updates Washington State's supervision rules for diagnostic radiologic technologists, therapeutic radiologic technologists, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists. It allows these professionals to perform certain injections (like IV contrast) under virtual supervision via real-time video (excluding audio-only) or direct supervision by physicians, advanced nurses, or physician assistants. The bill also requires trained clinical staff to be present during IV contrast administration to handle potential adverse reactions. These changes specifically affect technologists working under physician oversight in medical settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives Washington state agencies and local governments authority to remove abandoned or hazardous vessels (like those sunk, obstructing waterways, or endangering property) after a 7-day notice period. It directly affects vessel owners who leave boats unattended and local entities managing aquatic lands. Key provisions require authorities to prioritize environmentally sound disposal, sell vessels at auction if possible, and use sale proceeds first to cover removal costs, environmental damages, and administrative fees before addressing liens. The law also establishes clear procedures for owners to contest removal decisions or costs through hearings.

Maddy summaryHB 2168 creates a real-time overdose mapping system to help prevent opioid overdoses in Washington. It requires emergency medical services (like ambulances and aid services) to submit anonymized data - such as location, time, whether reversal medication was used, and fatality status - within 24 hours of treating an overdose to a centralized program. This data helps health and public safety agencies quickly identify overdose hotspots and deploy targeted prevention efforts, like public education or treatment resources, without using the information for law enforcement. The bill explicitly prohibits using the data for criminal investigations or identifying individuals, ensuring privacy protections for those seeking care.

Maddy summaryHB 2741 creates the Washington Electric Transmission Authority to expand and upgrade the state's power grid infrastructure. The authority will identify priority transmission corridors by October 2027 and coordinate projects to improve reliability during extreme weather, connect renewable energy resources, and support Washington's carbon neutrality goals by 2030. It establishes a 10-member board with diverse expertise (including utilities, tribes, clean energy, and community representatives) to oversee the authority and ensure projects address grid capacity needs. The bill directly affects utilities, local communities, and state agencies responsible for managing transmission projects and meeting clean energy targets.